New cultural arts center provides local artists residency opportunities in Chula Vista

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Chula Vista leaders unveiled a new cultural arts center where not only will the public get to enjoy the new property, but local artists will benefit from an artist in residence program.

"A residency, it’s a kind of like a dream come true," said German Rojas.

Rojas is one of the first artists to set up shop in “Casa Casillas.”

As city leaders celebrated the grand opening, Rojas is relishing the opportunity to focus on his art.

"In San Diego it's super expensive just to support yourself and you have to work so much sometimes your passions kind of disappear," he said.

The center’s artist in residence program offers local talent not only a space to create, but also a monthly $1,000 stipend for six months at a time.

"I think it is pretty rare and I actually feel super lucky," said Melissa Salgado.

Salgado is setting up next door to Rojas, ready to dive into her work.

"I am super glad that Chula Vista is taking initiative to create these sort of programs for the community because I think before it was like the community had to make their own free events," said Salgado.

The center takes over the former YMCA and fulfills the city’s cultural arts master plan, a long-time goal for former Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas.

Casa Casillas was named in honor of her mother Paula, an artist and lifelong resident of the city.

"Chula Vista did not have a formal art space in the city and did not until this ribbon-cutting today," said Salas. 

The center will be open to the public to visit, attend workshops and view the artists at work.